UN Secretary-General Expresses Deep Sadness Over Staff Member's Death in Gaza Due to Israeli Attacks
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Synopsis
On March 20, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed profound sadness over the death of a UN staff member amid Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, condemning attacks on UN personnel and demanding a full investigation, stressing the need for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages.
Key Takeaways
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply saddened by the death of a UN staff member.
- Guterres has condemned all attacks on UN personnel and is calling for a complete investigation.
- Israel has resumed its assault on Gaza, resulting in significant casualties.
- Humanitarian aid must reach all those in need, according to Guterres.
- At least 280 UN personnel have died in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
United Nations, March 20 (NationPress) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is profoundly saddened and shocked by the loss of a UN staff member during the Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip. He has condemned all assaults on UN personnel and has called for a thorough investigation, according to his spokesperson.
A member of the United Nations Office for Project Services was killed, and five others were critically injured when two UN guesthouses located in Deir al Balah, central Gaza, were struck during the attacks, as confirmed by both the UN and local health authorities early Wednesday. The Israeli military has refuted claims of attacking the compound, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, stated that the locations of all UN facilities are known to the conflicting parties, who are required by international law to safeguard them and uphold their complete inviolability.
Guterres has vehemently condemned all assaults on UN personnel and is urging a comprehensive investigation. He emphasizes that all conflicts must be managed in a manner that ensures the respect and protection of civilians, according to Haq.
The Secretary-General highlights the importance of adhering to the ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of the affected populace. He insists that humanitarian aid must be delivered to all in need and that hostages must be freed immediately and without conditions, as stated by his spokesperson.
Israel has renewed its offensive in Gaza since early Tuesday, resulting in over 400 fatalities and breaking a fragile ceasefire that was established on January 19.
As of Wednesday's lethal strike, at least 280 UN personnel have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to the UN spokesperson.
